Seaton Nub News is proud to partner with Hansfords Funeral Service to expand its existing Obituaries section.

Hansfords Funeral Service is an independent, family business and a firmly-established part of the local community, having been founded by Charlie Hansford in Beer more than 50 years ago.

Charlie was succeeded by his daughter, Trudy Rodgers, who along with her husband Dave and son Brendon, served the community of Beer, Seaton and surrounding villages for 25 years.

Upon their retirement, the business was acquired by Grassby & Sons in early 2012, but continues with involvement and consultation from Trudy and Dave.

Grassby & Sons are a long-established, family-run business with their main branch, Grassby Funeral Service, based in Dorchester. They also own Potburys Funeral Service in Sidmouth and the Norton Memorials showroom in Axminster, as well as four other branches in Dorset.

All branches are supported by the masonry works at Grassby Memorials, based near Dorchester, which has been operating since 1861.

In 2013, Hansfords Funeral Service moved to its currently premises in Trevelyan Road, Seaton – a former station master's house and then bed and breakfast – which was sensitively converted to incorporate the business' main offices and a peaceful chapel of rest.

The business is now led by funeral director Colin Comber, ably assisted by Karen Cooper, who joined Hansfords Funeral Service in January 2021, and Chris Claydon, who previously worked in healthcare administration and joined the team in June.

Colin is very well-known in the Seaton community, having previously served as a school governor, Scout, Explorer Scout and Group Scout Leader, a Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme leader and ran the Explorers Carnival Club. He is presently heavily involved in Seaton Lions Club.

Thanks to his community involvement, Colin provides a familiar face to clients when they are going through one of the most difficult periods of their life. Hansfords Funeral Service can provide an individual, personal service throughout, with the same small team dealing with everything from start to finish.

Customers say they feel safe, confident and comfortable in Colin and his team's care. They believe it is important to take an empathetic approach, ensuring they give clients plenty of time so they don't feel rushed into making important decisions.

Hansfords are also heavily involved in community life in Seaton. They use local businesses and suppliers wherever possible, including for all their printing, and support local events such as Axmouth Christmas Tree Festival.

The business also offers small sponsorship deals to some organisations and good causes, which have included Puffins Pre-School in Beer, Seaton and Beer Football Clubs and Seaton Cricket Club.

This community-first approach is shared by Seaton Nub News and Hansfords will now be regularly contributing to our Obituaries section, a dignified platform for sharing death notices and obituaries, including funeral details and how to make donations in memory of loved ones.

To find out more about Hansfords Funeral Service, visit https://www.hansfords-funeral.co.uk